Aloha Festivals 2026: Hawaii's Largest Cultural Celebration

**Aloha Festivals** is the largest cultural festival in Hawaiʻi. Started in 1946 as Aloha Week, it now runs through September every year — a month of hula, parades, royal court ceremonies, and free block parties across all islands. ## 2026 schedule | Date | Event | Location | |---|---|---| | Sat Sep 5 | **Royal Court Installation** | ʻIolani Palace, Honolulu | | Sat Sep 12 | **Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa** (block party) | Kalākaua Avenue | | Sat Sep 19 | **Floral Parade** | Ala Moana to Kapiʻolani Park | | Sep 19–27 | **Neighbor-island events** | Maui, Big Island, Kauaʻi | ## Royal Court Installation The festival opens with the installation of a **Royal Court** — Hawaiian residents selected to represent the king, queen, prince, and princess. The ceremony at ʻIolani Palace is free, deeply traditional, and the photo opportunity of the year for Hawaiian culture buffs. ## Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa The mid-month block party closes 6 blocks of Kalākaua Avenue. Free, family-friendly. Live music on 3 stages, food booths, hālau performances, cultural demonstrations. Expect 30,000+ attendees. Park at the Convention Center, walk in. ## Floral Parade Marching units, pāʻū riders (women on horseback in flowing skirts representing each island), floral floats. Starts 9 AM, runs 2 hours. Bring chairs + water. ## Neighbor-island events After Oʻahu's big weekend, smaller hoʻolauleʻa are held in Wailuku (Maui), Hilo (Big Island), and Lihuʻe (Kauaʻi). Less crowded, more intimate. ## What it costs The vast majority is **free**. Some workshops + the Royal Ball charge $20–75. Schedule + details: [alohafestivals.com](https://www.alohafestivals.com). ## Related - [Kamehameha Day in Hawaii →](/blog/kamehameha-day-2026) - [Lei Day in Hawaii →](/blog/lei-day-in-hawaii-2026) - [Hawaii events in September →](/island/oahu)